Tour de Monte Rosa Hike
7 Days Starting in Grächen, Switzerland and ending in Zermatt, Switzerland
Visiting: Grächen, Macugnaga, Alagna, Gressoney, Val d'Ayas, Cervinia, Zermatt
Tour operator:
Tour code:
MRC
Guide Type:
Fully Guided
Group size:
8 - 14
Tour operated in:
EnglishTrip Styles:
Active, Adventure Tours, Small Group, Walking Hiking and Trekking
Interests:
Activities:
Tour Overview
Embark on the Tour de Monte Rosa Walk, a challenging and breathtaking adventure through Switzerland and Italy. Traverse spectacular sections of the Tour de Monte Rosa, surrounded by an amphitheatre of 4000m peaks, and share this unforgettable experience with like-minded travelers. Discover the charming resort town of Zermatt, nestled below the iconic Matterhorn peak. Enjoy 6 nights in mountain refuges or gîtes with dormitory-style accommodation, and savor delicious meals prepared for you daily. With the guidance of an International Mountain Guide and daily luggage transfers, immerse yourself in the stunning alpine scenery and rich cultural history of this remarkable region.
Highlights
Itinerary
Day 1 : Meet Group In Grächen And Walk To Saas Fee (6-7Hrs, +800M -1000M)
Location: Grächen
Accommodation Name: mountain refuge
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
A warm-up day. Meet your guide and group this morning (8:30am) then skirt the northern peak of the massif and discover a breathtaking view over the Rhone and Saas valleys. A pleasant path leads us to the famous village of Saas Fee (1800m).
+800m, -1000m/+2624ft, -3280ft
Day 2 : Trek To Macugnaga Via Monte Moro Pass (2868M), (6-7Hrs, +653M -1500M)
Location: Macugnaga
Accommodation Name: mountain refuge
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
We ascend the path to Mattmark Lake before taking on the legendary pass of Monte Moro (2868m), a very ancient link between Saas Tal and Macugnaga. This passage was used by the German Walser people when they immigrated to this region. Continue to the village of Macugnaga (1327m), nestled under Monte Rosa peak.
+653m, -1500m/+2142ft, -4921ft
Day 3 : Walk To Alagna Via The Turlo Pass (2738M), (6-7Hrs, +1431M -1163M)
Location: Alagna
Accommodation Name: mountain refuge
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Today we will climb up through the Quaraxxa Valley to the Turlo pass (2738m) before hiking along the southern slopes of Monte Rosa. Our descent through the open pastures of Alesia leads us to Alagna (1191m), another picturesque and remote place in the beautiful Aosta Valley.
+1431m, -1163m/+4694ft, -3816ft
Day 4 : Continue Through The Val D'otro To Gressoney (7Hrs, +1727M -524M)
Location: Gressoney
Accommodation Name: mountain refuge
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
We walk through the Otro valley, passing by its numerous pastures, before reaching the Olen Pass (2881m). From here we hike down through the pastures of Mos towards the valley of Gressoney and the hamlet of Gaval. During the walk the peak of Liskamm is a constant source of inspiration in the background.
+1727m, -524m/+5666ft, -1719ft
Day 5 : Ascend High Passes And Descend Via Lake Forca To Val D'ayas (6Hrs, +850M -900M)
Location: Val d'Ayas
Accommodation Name: mountain refuge
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
This morning our walk takes us through the pasture of St Anna before taking on the Bettaforca Pass (2617m), directly underneath the imposing peaks of Castor and Pollux. The descent to the Ayas Valley presents a superb panorama showcasing Champoluc village, the hamlet of St Jacques hamlet as well as Forca Lake.
+850m, -900m/+2788ft, -2952ft
Day 6 : Walk Above Cervinia Ski Resort - Superb Views To The Matterhorn (7Hrs, +1500M -466M)
Location: Cervinia
Accommodation Name: Theodulo mountain refuge
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
A beautiful day with glaciers, glacial lakes and alpine meadows as we climb through the Cortox Valley to the aptly named Cima Blanche (white) Pass (2982m), above the famous ski resort Breuil Cervinia. We ascend to the Theodule pass (3295m/10,810ft) and spend the night at the Theodulo mountain refuge (3317m) which is just above the pass.
Note: You will need to carry your overnight gear including sleeping sheet, clothing and toiletries as luggage transfer is not possible today. Your luggage will be transferred to Täsch, for collection tomorrow.
+1500m, -466m/+4921ft, -1529ft
Day 7 : Continue To Zermatt, Trip Concludes (6Hrs, -1645M)
Location: Zermatt
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch
After making our way across the Theodule pass we re-enter the Valais and Vispertal region. The final leg of our walk will see us descend to Trockener Steg and Zermatt, with the famous Cervin, or Matterhorn, in the background to bid us farewell. Walking concludes in Zermatt around 2pm, then taxi to Tasch just along the valley (to collect luggage).
Depending on your fitness and weather/mountain conditions, there may be an option to ascend the summit of Breithorn (4165m) today, one of the most climbed +4000m peaks in the western Alps. This involves some organisation on your guide's behalf in respect to engaging a UIAGM qualified mountain guide and climbing equipment. The additional cost is approximately EUR170pp plus the lift ticket (around EUR90) for a group size of 1-5 people which includes the mountaineering guide, crampons, harness, group climbing equipment and one way cable car fare. This must be paid for in cash locally. There are some technical aspects to the climb requiring care and attention at all times. The decision not to ascend will be at your guide's discretion based on current conditions and your fitness. Those not ascending Breithorn will take the route described above with your walking guide.
-1645m/-5400ft
What's Included
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Accommodation
6 nights mountain refuges / gîtes in dormitory style accommodation -
6 breakfasts, 7 lunches, 6 dinners
Enjoy daily meals including 6 breakfasts, 7 lunches, and 6 dinners.
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6 nights mountain refuges / gîtes in dormitory style accommodation
Stay in dormitory-style accommodation in mountain refuges or gîte hostels for 6 nights.
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International Mountain Guide
Benefit from the expertise of an international mountain guide throughout the tour.
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Luggage transfer by vehicle daily except day 6, 1 piece maximum 15kg
Daily luggage transfer by vehicle is provided, except on day 6, with a maximum of 1 piece weighing up to 15kg.
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Taxi Zermatt to Tasch on the last day
A taxi transfer from Zermatt to Tasch is included on the last day.
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Travel to Grächen and from Zermatt/Tasch
Travel arrangements to Grächen and from Zermatt/Tasch are included.
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Drinks
Drinks are included in the tour package.
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Travel insurance - mandatory
Mandatory travel insurance is included.
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Storage of excess luggage
Storage for excess luggage is provided.
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Transfers by taxi or public transport if you need to skip a stage
Transfers by taxi or public transport are available if you need to skip a stage.
What's Not Included
Transfers are not included in the tour package.
Accommodation
6 nights mountain refuges / gîtes in dormitory style accommodation. Accommodation is dormitory style in mountain refuges or gîte hostels. There can be up to 40 people in one room in some refuges but less on most nights (around 10-12). Beds are often bunks but can also be one long platform with separate mattresses. Bathrooms and toilets are shared. Blankets / duvets are provided. Swiss refuges tend to be surprisingly comfortable.
Grading
CHALLENGING – GRADE 5
The Tour de Monte Rosa is one of the most scenic, but also most challenging walk in the Alps. The daily guided walks are around 5-7 hours, however the overall fitness of the group will determine this. There are many challenging stages during the walk with steep uphills, descents, and sections of the trail which require care. The accent is on keeping a steady pace with time to stop and take photos (subject to weather conditions). You will need an excellent level of fitness to participate fully in this walking adventure. It is considered suitable for experienced walkers only, with a strong walking pace. Early in the season (June) you may encounter snow on the passes which may be quite deep making the walk more difficult. At any time during summer, weather conditions may be variable and you should be prepared for all conditions including snow, ice, strong sun and extreme winds. The route is subject to modification depending on the conditions.
As with all our challenging programs, we expect participants to be regular outdoors people, enjoying aerobic sport around four or five times a week over some period of time. Preferably this has been a long term interest but if not, you have set a program of fitness preparation with at least three months lead in time to your trip. The fitter you are for your trip, the more of a holiday it will be. Activities as close to the actual activity on your trip are the best training; in this instance walking with and without a pack. This builds leg strength, aerobic capacity and confidence in your ability to travel comfortably with a pack for extended periods. At the same time, you are also comfortable with the layers you like to wear and footwear. Important note: good quality walking boots with ankle support are a pre-requisite for your participation. Runners or shoes without ankle support are not suitable for the conditions encountered on this walk.
What You Carry
As the walks are fully supported you only need to carry a daypack with your daily requirements including wet weather gear, lunch supplies, water bottle, warm top, phone etc. Except on day six where you will need to carry overnight requirements,
Mode of Transport
Travel to Grächen and from Zermatt/Tasch is included. Luggage transfer by vehicle daily except day 6, with a maximum of 1 piece weighing 15kg. Transfers by taxi or public transport are available if you need to skip a stage. A taxi from Zermatt to Tasch is provided on the last day.
Check out our Q&As
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What type of accommodation is provided during the Tour de Monte Rosa Walk?
The accommodation is dormitory style in mountain refuges or gîte hostels. There can be up to 40 people in one room in some refuges, but usually around 10-12. Beds are often bunks but can also be one long platform with separate mattresses. Bathrooms and toilets are shared, and blankets or duvets are provided. Swiss refuges tend to be surprisingly comfortable.
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What meals are included in the Tour de Monte Rosa Walk?
The tour includes 6 breakfasts, 7 lunches, and 6 dinners.
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Is luggage transfer available during the tour?
Yes, luggage transfer by vehicle is available daily except on day 6. You are allowed one piece of luggage with a maximum weight of 15kg.
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What should I carry during the walks?
As the walks are fully supported, you only need to carry a daypack with your daily requirements including wet weather gear, lunch supplies, water bottle, warm top, phone, etc. On day six, you will need to carry overnight requirements as luggage transfer is not possible.
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What is the difficulty level of the Tour de Monte Rosa Walk?
The Tour de Monte Rosa is graded as challenging (Grade 5). It is suitable for experienced walkers with a strong walking pace and an excellent level of fitness. The daily guided walks are around 5-7 hours, and the route includes steep uphills, descents, and sections that require care.
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What happens if I need to skip a stage during the tour?
Transfers by taxi or public transport are available if you need to skip a stage.
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Is travel insurance required for the Tour de Monte Rosa Walk?
Yes, travel insurance is mandatory for this tour.
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What happens on the last day of the tour?
On the last day, you will descend to Trockener Steg and Zermatt, with the famous Matterhorn in the background. The walking concludes in Zermatt around 2pm, followed by a taxi to Tasch to collect your luggage.
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Is there an option to ascend the summit of Breithorn?
Yes, depending on your fitness and weather/mountain conditions, there may be an option to ascend the summit of Breithorn (4165m) on the last day. This involves additional costs and requires a UIAGM qualified mountain guide and climbing equipment. The decision to ascend will be at your guide's discretion based on current conditions and your fitness.
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How fit do I have to be?
Our adventures are first and foremost holidays and can be undertaken by anyone in a reasonable state of health and fitness - however, please carefully read our Terms & Conditions when booking and view the trip grading. We rank our trips according to our honest Trip Grading System. We recommend that you familiarise yourself with our grading system by reading our detailed trip notes (which you can order through this site) and to speak with us about the physical requirements of your chosen trip.
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What happens if something goes wrong?
On our guided tours, you travel in small groups with a local multi-lingual guide whose knowledge of the terrain, flora, fauna and history of the region is exemplary. Our self guided tours give you the freedom to explore at your own pace - but they're not unsupported. We provide detailed route notes and maps and our local partners are on hand throughout the day in the unlikely event that something goes wrong. All we request is that you select a program that matches your level of fitness to ensure that you have a comfortable experience.
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I'm travelling solo on a self-guided trip. Do I pay the single supplement or the single traveller surcharge?
Most of our self guided trips are priced based on twinshare. If you are travelling solo the single traveller surcharge will apply. The single supplement would apply if you were travelling in a party with others and you had chosen to book a single room. You would never pay a single traveller surcharge and a single supplement.
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Transfer as credit to Future Tours
UTracks allows you to transfer existing payments to a future tour to avoid cancellation fees if you can't travel and inform utracks, 70 days before departure.
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Low Deposit
UTracks requires a minimum deposit of 250 GBP per person or the full booking value, whichever is less, with the final balance not due until 70 days before departure.
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Cancellation Policy
We don't charge a cancellation fee, here is a summary of utracks charges.
Up to 70 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of deposit.
At 69 days before tour starts: Forfeit 50% of booking price.
At 35 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of booking price.